Director Of Social Services And Outreach

The Riverside Church

Position Description

Job Title:Director of Social Services and Outreach
Reports to: Minister for Justice, Advocacy, and Change
Department: Mission and Social Justice
FLSA: Exempt
Classification: Full-time; Benefits Eligible
Salary Range: $75,000 - $95,000

Job Summary

The Director of Social Services and Outreach is a relationship builder. This person is responsible for engaging The Riverside Church’s Social Services Committee, congregation, lay leaders, other ministerial staff, and the community in implementing Riverside’s social service programs, campaigns, and initiatives, consistent with the church’s mission to bring “social transformation…witnessing to God’s saving purposes for all of creation.” The Director of Social Services and Outreach will work to foster understanding and engagement at the Riverside Church for local needs and Outreach efforts. They will serve as the church’s representative to the marginalized in our community, while advocating for social justice, inside and outside of the church.

The person in this role…

• Demonstrates a theological understanding of the intrinsic connection between the profession of faith and acts of Social service aimed at realizing the Christian vision of the “beloved community.”
• Educates and equips the congregation to serve as allies in the struggles of the oppressed for human dignity and equity in society.
• Identifies strategic partnerships outside the church that can produce the greatest impact in dismantling systems that perpetuate racism, economic oppression and environmental degradation.
• Is able to successfully navigate in a church with a history of active lay engagement in its programs, and reconciles differences in priorities and goals in order to achieve broad based support.
• Has proven management skills to help The Riverside Church achieve well-defined social service outcomes by leading members in establishing program priorities.

Above all, the Director of Social Service and Outreach approaches this work from a pastoral standpoint, valuing the cultivation of interpersonal relationships and appreciating the role of spiritual care in the work of Social Services.

Job Responsibilities

Congregational Leadership

• Provides staff leadership to the ministries within the Social Services program.
  1. Food Pantry
     • Corbin Hill Food Project Partnership
  2. Clothing Pantry
  3. Direct Aid
  4. Semi-Annual Clothing Sales
  5. Barber Training Program (currently on hiatus)
  6. Shower Program (currently on hiatus)
  7. Safe Haven Shelter (currently on hiatus)
• Develops process for social work case management and/or referrals and has the ability to supervise social work interns.
• Offers oversight to self-help groups and initiatives
  1. Alcoholics Anonymous
• Works with the Minister of Justice, Advocacy and Change to educate and equip members to examine and challenge existing social orders.
• Inspires and invites active engagement and commitment of the congregation in social service initiatives aimed at change.
• Facilitates training of congregants and other community members for effective engagement in social service work.

ChurchMission Engagement

• Works with the Minister for Justice, Advocacy, and Change and the Social Services Committee, to identify and prioritize key areas of Social service engagement connected to the church’s social justice vision.
• Communicates social service priorities to the Mission and Social Justice Commission and congregation.
• Works with the Minister for Congregational Care and Older Adults to provide care and services for church members in need.

Program Strategy

• Designs and develops strategies for executing the church’s social service priorities.
• Leverages successful, outcome-based coalitions using excellent community organizing skills.
• Accesses/builds an extensive network of contacts in other congregations and social service organizations on the local, state and national level.
• Collaborates with other staff members and lay leaders to integrate social service work into other programmatic areas of the church.

Administration and Management

• Oversees the Food Pantry and Clothing Pantry team of staff and volunteers.
• Develops and manages social service process related functions.
• Develops and manages the Social Services annual budget in cooperation with the Minister for Justice, Advocacy, and Change and the Social Services Committee.
• Serve as a staff liaison to the Mission and Social Justice Commission regarding Social Services.
• Partners with the Communications Department to develop and implement a comprehensive communications plan for social service initiatives.
• Tracks effectiveness of programs, money, time, and impact.
• Serves as the Riverside point of contact for those seeking humanitarian aid from the church.
• Creates and maintains a “living database” of Social service and Outreach opportunities in which our congregation can engage.
• Takes on other responsibilities as assigned by the Minister for Justice, Advocacy, and Change.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• LMSW required, and LCSW preferred.
• Spanish-language skills (speaking and writing) required.
• Theological training required; M.Div. degree preferred.
• Experience with community organizing.
• Experience serving marginalized communities.
• Ability to develop effective community-based programs and to cultivate meaningful relationships within communities, including partnerships with the public and private sectors.
• Has connections with reputable social work and Social Services institutions.
• Experience in a congregation or an organizational setting with a multi-cultural membership and a diverse staff.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Demonstrated ability to interact in a collaborative manner with other ministries and staff.
• Demonstrated skill in administration, budgeting, and staff supervision.

Our organization offers a wide range of comprehensive benefits, including generous time off and a strong emphasis on achieving a great work-life balance.

TRCis an Equal Opportunity Employer. No employee or applicant for employment shall be discriminated against in any term or condition of employment because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are constantly striving to make our organization anti-racist. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values. As an employee, you become part of that mission.

No relocation or sponsorship provided.